Damage caused by the Israeli strike in southern Lebanon in Oct.24. (Courtesy of Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Tuesday that it has lodged a formal protest with the U.N. Security Council through its Permanent Mission in New York, condemning Israel's repeated violations of the cease-fire and security arrangements under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
The ministry cited more than 816 military violations, both ground and air, between Nove. 27 and Dec. 22, 2024, which it said have raised serious concerns.
In the complaint, the first since the cease-fire took effect, Lebanon outlined several Israeli violations, including "the bombardment of Lebanese border villages, planting explosives in homes, destroying residential areas, and cutting off roads."
Lebanon argued that these actions undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further military conflict, posing a "serious threat to international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region." Also, the violations also hinder Lebanon’s ability to implement Resolution 1701 and delay the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the southern Lebanon.
While reaffirming its commitment to international resolutions, Lebanon emphasized that it has responded to calls for a cease-fire and continues to exercise restraint to avoid a return to war. "Lebanon remains fully committed to the implementation of international resolutions and is showing the highest levels of self-restraint and cooperation to avoid returning to the horrors of war," the ministry said.
Lebanon called on the Security Council, particularly the countries overseeing the cease-fire arrangements, to take a "firm and clear stance" on Israeli violations and ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the cease-fire and related resolutions.
Additionally, Lebanon urged for "enhanced support for UNIFIL and the Lebanese army to guarantee the protection of its sovereignty and to create the necessary security conditions for restoring stability and normalcy in the south of the country."